The Daily Mail says Ozil's father and advisor Mustafa is taking legal action against an agent over what he claims is a forged mandate offering the Germany international to United on August 7.

However, a genuine mandate signed by him was presented to the club in mid-August but United decided not to go ahead with the deal after taking 48 hours to consider the offer.

It is understood that Moyes was looking for a midfield general and was not convinced that Ozil's style fitted the type of domineering player he needed.

Even though he had passed a medical for Arsenal while on international duty in Munich and flown to London to complete the transfer, Real were prepared to do a deal with United as late as 8pm with Ozil understood to prefer a move to Old Trafford.

However, contrary to reports today, although United considered the offer they did not attempt to hijack his move to Arsenal with a late bid.